Role of Social Media In Cosmetic Dermatology

Introduction:

Social media include constantly evolving applications or websites that allow better communication, sharing information and ideas, exchanging messages, and connecting with users in real-time. Depending on the platform, the application can be used for posting photos, videos, editing, sharing content, etc. As social media poses various benefits and adverse effects, it also plays a vital role in cosmetic dermatology.

What Are the Popular Social Media Platforms?

• Facebook.

• Youtube.

• Messenger applications.

• Instagram.

• WeChat.

• QZone.

• Twitter.

• Reddit.

• Pinterest.

• Snapchat.

• Tumblr.

What Are the Uses of Social Media in Cosmetic Dermatology?

• Facebook: It is a popular platform for social interaction and communication. Students and healthcare professionals most commonly use Facebook accounts. The contribution of dermatologists also adds to it. They publish various dermatology journals for their outreach. Through Facebook, people are engaged with specific professional dermatology organizations, such as Associated Skincare Professionals, the American Academy of Dermatology, etc. Thus Facebook is an educational platform to help viewers. In addition, there are groups containing professionals and the public where dermatologists deliver educational talks to the people. Because of simple and inexpensive tools like Facebook, people can self-care at home under the correct guidance of dermatologists.

• Youtube: It is a website allowing anyone with an account to share videos. It is the second most popular website used by billions of people. The dermatologists utilize youtube to post videos on dermatology topics and share their experiences with the public for better understanding. There are several other misleading information available on youtube.

• Messenger Applications: There are various messenger applications such as Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, etc. These applications can allow communication among certain groups of people in the contacts. Hence, dermatologists can connect with their friends, family, and colleagues and share their knowledge. But unfortunately, this practice can sometimes put the dermatologist at medicolegal risk.

• Instagram: It is a popular platform where people can share photos and videos. The hashtags posted on Instagram make the content popular and allow people to access trending photos and videos. Many professionals, including dermatologists, have Instagram profiles where they post skincare and hair care videos, advertisements, and before and after pictures of the individuals after treatment. This allows people to gain knowledge on new cosmetic treatments.

• WeChat: This multi-use application is used in China, similar to Whatsapp. It allows people to share photos and videos, connect calls, and schedule medical appointments. In China, this application helps schedule appointments and promote health camps and follow-ups.

• Twitter: It is a microblogging social media platform where people share short messages. Since this application can share messages, it helps share views on dermatology topics. The professionals and medical students can share and discuss their opinions through tweets and retweets.

• Reddit: It is a website that allows users to share and learn information on their fields. It is a great site for gaining medical advice from healthcare professionals. In addition, people can communicate with each other by commenting on the same thread. This application allows dermatologists to provide correct information and thus promote people's knowledge.

• Pinterest: It allows users to share images, videos, and ideas to create pins and boards. Communities and boards related to dermatology can be created to share journals and other helpful information.

• Snapchat: It is generally a story-sharing app that allows users to send photos and videos for around 24 hours. It will enable the spread of information, advertisement, and outreach creating interest in people in a particular area.

• Tumblr: It is also a blogging platform allowing users to share content. Dermatologists can share their educational videos and disperse their knowledge to the public.

What Are the Challenges of Social Media in Healthcare?

The major drawback of social media use in healthcare is the spread of incorrect medical information. The authors may need to be qualified or have unverified credentials. And the information on social media should not be expected to be complete.

The information depends on the individuals who post it, but medical literature is entirely evidence-based. Professionalism is yet another concern with the use of social media platforms. For example, dermatologists are allowed to share only a limited amount of information and are not supposed to advertise a drug or a company as a part of management. Such maintenance of professionalism is essential.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act does not allow sharing of medical information without authorization. In addition, federal law states that patients have the right to control their protected health information.

Only the patient's consent can release the information. Maintaining this kind of confidentiality is also needed while using social media platforms. For example, a person’s dermatological picture should not be displayed and discussed with their personal information on social media platforms.

The dermatologist who uses social media is more likely to face legal dilemmas. For example, they cannot share any information or pictures without the patient’s consent. They also risk lawsuits while providing medical advice on social media platforms. They are not allowed to answer the queries online directly. But they are supposed to contact the patient privately by scheduling an appointment. This is because the dermatological advice working for one may not work for another and might be misleading.

Conclusion:

People use 50 percent of their day on social media. This poses the need for the development of healthcare through social media. Furthermore, nearly 80 percent of the population searches social media platforms for health information. Therefore, the information provided should be correct and evidence-based. However, there are a lot of risks in using social media in healthcare, especially in dermatology, as it is a sensitive topic of all.